So, the new 93 TTiD...

[t0ny99]

Does anyone else think this sounds like a pretty desireable package? It's effectively a diesel Aero (as far as I can tell), with 180 bhp and more torque than the 2.8 V6.

Wrapped up in a facelifted wagon (I really like the new front end styling and return to clamshell bonnet), and in black, I think it could be pretty tempting come replacement time (well, budget permitting). Only another 18 months or so with the Vector Sport, which is by no means a hardship...

Any reason why Saab couldn't offer the 2.4 JTD (200 BHP) in the 93 a la Alfa 159?

Incidentally, does anyone have experience of the new fascia design compared to the old thousand-button effort of my 2006 car?

[moffspeed]

Yep certainly do, I now have a 2007 9-3 Irflow* whilst my own '05 Vector Sport is detained at Saab GB having a very long list of complaints dealt with.

The short answer is that the cheap,rattly,oblong/square interior fittings have been replaced by cheap,rattly circular interior fittings. To cap this a cheap chrome-effect strip now surrounds the dash and reflects wonderfully into your line of view, great.

• it started off life as an "Airflow" but the tinny boot badges seem to be stuck on with blue-tac and it has now become a wobbly "Irflow".

GM should be charged with the automotive equivalent of homicide...

Edited by moffspeed on Friday 3rd August 15:16

Edited by moffspeed on Saturday 4th August 09:42

[t0ny99]

They are making it very difficult for fans of the brand to remain so, I must admit.

My old (MY99) 93 felt like 200k miles was easily achievable. I sold that at circa 60k, without a single rattle. My (MY06) 93 now has three distinct cabin squeeks/rattles/clunks at just 23k.

I am the first person to defend Saab against the German 'competition' as I believe the brand ethos is completely different. However, pound-for-pound, it's not so easy to go Swedish when compared with the other obvious choices.

I had a 2003 A4 for the three years prior to the 93's arrival. The Saab is an infinitely nicer place to be (ride, handling, comfort, refinement) but is almost an embarassment in materials and build terms.

Oh well, "you pays your money, you makes your choice"...

[moffspeed]

Many owners of the updated Saab 9-3 have apparently complained about the windscreen reflection from the tacky chrome strip, word has it that dealers are willing to over-spray it with a matt black finish if you complain enough.

Incidentally my own Saab has now been at Saab's technical centre in Luton for 5 weeks as of today. No one seems to know how it is progressing so I'm stuck with the Irflow. Believe me, Saab Customer support is the most dire organisation that I have ever had the misfortune to deal with....

[aeropilot]

moffspeed said:

Believe me, Saab Customer support is the most dire organisation that I have ever had the misfortune to deal with....

That's because it's really Vauxhall Customer Service.........says volumes

Up until a few years ago, Saab Customer Service was still at Marlow in Bucks, from it's days as an independent, and very good and helpfull they were too.
Alas, General Mediocrity decided that that wasn't very corporate and got shot, handing responsibilty over to the existing Vauxhall Customer diservice centre at Luton.....who as you rightly point out are about as useful as a chocolate teapot........

Edited by aeropilot on Wednesday 15th August 19:41